Mission/Vision

Mission

The Mission of Virginia's Recovery Conference Initiative is to celebrate champions of recovery, unify Peer Recovery Specialists, and build bridges of understanding with clinical colleagues, community partners, and organizations across Virginia.

Vision

We envision Virginia as an integrated recovery-oriented system of care where Peer Recovery Specialists are valued for being champions, building connection, and offering support to individuals with mental health and substance use challenges.

Conf Registration

RECOVERY CONFERENCE 2025
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

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Key Note Speaker

Key Note Speakers

We are excited to announce this year's keynote speakers!

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Yanick Hicks, Pharm. D.

Yanick Hicks is a certified Maxwell Leadership keynote speaker and executive coach with a passion for empowering others in the areas of leadership, communication, and teamwork. A Doctor of Pharmacy graduate from Marshall University School of Pharmacy, Yanick began his career as a pharmacist before discovering his calling as a speaker and coach.

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Saul Malek

Saul Malek is a professional speaker specializing in gambling addiction prevention and education. Since 2019 he has become an in-demand speaker.

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2025 RECOVERY CONFERENCE AGENDA!

Upcoming Events

VIRGINIA RECOVERY CONFERENCE 2025

Upcoming Local & Regional Events

More Information

COMING SOON!

The Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA), in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) Office of Recovery Services (ORS), is pleased to announce the launch of the 2025 Mini Grant Program to support organizations engaged in behavioral health and SUD advocacy, education, or support initiatives. The program aims to promote Recovery Month 2025 (September) while emphasizing the vital role of peer support in recovery and community wellness.

Thanks to support from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, we will award 26 mini grants of $2,500 each—a total investment of $65,000—to fuel community-driven recovery projects across the Commonwealth.

“Peer-run organizations know best what their communities need,” said Victor McKenzie Jr., Executive Director of SAARA. “These mini grants put flexible dollars directly in their hands so they can keep people on the path to long-term recovery.”

Grant Amount $2500

Go to Mini Grant Website